Waterson v Lloyd & Anor [2011] EWHC 3197 (QB) (08 December 2011)

The publications complained of bear the meaning that the claimant was guilty of abuse of Parliamentary rules for his own financial advantage, which is a defamatory statement of fact, not comment or opinion. The defence of honest comment is not available as the publications are statements of fact.

Citation: [2011] EWHC 3197 (QB)
Parties: Claimant: Nigel Waterson; Defendant: Stephen Lloyd MP; Defendant: Rebecca Carr
Jurisdiction: England and Wales
Judgment Date: 08 December 2011
Procedural Posture: Libel Action / Summary Judgment on Liability
Outcome: Judgment for claimant on liability; damages or other relief to be determined later.
Legal Topics: Libel, Distinction Between Fact and Comment, Mps' Expenses Scandal, Fair Comment Defence, Election Campaign Publications

Defamation Media Law Election Law Libel Distinction Between Fact and Comment Mps' Expenses Scandal Fair Comment Defence Election Campaign Publications

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Full judgment text Downloadable case file Legal principles 3 Authorities cited 9 Party arguments 2 Amounts and remedies 11

Parties

Nigel Waterson

Claimant

Stephen Lloyd MP

Defendant

Rebecca Carr

Defendant

Procedural Posture

Libel Action / Summary Judgment on Liability

Legal Issues

1 What is the meaning of the publications complained of?
2 Are the publications statements of fact or comment/opinion?
3 Are the publications defamatory?

Ratio Decidendi

Court Disposition

Judgment for claimant on liability; damages or other relief to be determined later.

Orders

Summary judgment entered for claimant on liability.
Issues as to relief to be determined separately if not agreed.